A recent Bombay High Court ruling has brought attention to the challenges of forming cooperative housing societies across India, particularly spotlighting Maharashtra’s requirement that 51% of flat purchasers must consent for registration. While this ruling directly affects Maharashtra, it reflects broader variations in how states across India regulate society formation.
Housing societies play a critical role in India’s urban landscape, providing a legal structure for residential self-governance and property management. However, each state operates under its Cooperative Societies Act. Maharashtra follows the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, Delhi adheres to the Delhi Cooperative Societies Act, and Karnataka has its own version. Despite these legal differences, the objective remains the same, enabling residents to collectively manage their community and its affairs.
Registration thresholds vary widely across states. Maharashtra mandates that over half of the flat owners must sign off before a society is registered. In contrast, states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh require as few as seven members, while others follow majority-based thresholds similar to Maharashtra.
The registration process typically requires an application detailing the members, proposed bylaws, and supporting documents. Once submitted, the registrar assesses whether all statutory conditions are met before granting legal status. Upon registration, societies gain formal rights to collect maintenance, sign contracts, and manage the premises according to the approved bylaws.
For homebuyers, confirming the registration status of a society has become a key factor during property purchases. Unregistered societies limit the community’s ability to enforce rules, address disputes, or carry out essential maintenance. Many buyers now inquire specifically about occupancy levels and society registration before finalizing deals.
Threshold rules, like Maharashtra’s 51%, are designed to ensure societies have sufficient participation before they gain legal standing. They serve to stabilize governance by reducing risks associated with societies formed by small or inactive groups of owners.
For developers, differing thresholds across states create operational challenges. A builder working in Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka must navigate distinct legal processes, often adjusting timelines based on local regulations before transitioning management to residents.
As Indian cities continue to expand and more residents shift to gated communities and apartment complexes, understanding these thresholds and legal frameworks has become vital. The process marks a shift from builder-led operations to resident-driven governance, with active stakeholder participation crucial for smooth community management.
Across India’s metropolitan hubs, these legal prerequisites remain a fundamental step in creating transparent and effective housing societies, regardless of state-specific variations.
In recent years, a notable trend has emerged across gated communities in India, the implementation of standardised rate cards for domestic workers. These cards establish fixed prices for specific household tasks such as cleaning and cooking, aiming to create consistency in payments and prevent what some residents refer to as “bidding wars” between households competing for reliable help. This practice has gained traction, particularly in upscale residential areas across major Indian cities.
“Before implementing the rate card system, we often found domestic workers negotiating higher wages by citing better offers from other households,” explains Anita, an RWA president from a society in Gurugram. For many residents, especially senior citizens on fixed incomes, these standardized rates offer financial predictability. “On a limited pension, keeping up with rising wage demands has become difficult. The rate card gives us some stability,” shares Ramesh, a retired government employee living in a high-rise in Bengaluru.
However, the system has not been without controversy. “While maids and cooks are demanding higher pay, a proposed 20% wage increase faced strong opposition from residents. Many worry that revising the rates will lead to further demands,” admits a member of an operations committee from a large complex.
For domestic workers, the impact of rate cards extends beyond their monthly earnings. “I work in two homes, earning ₹4,000 from each. To make ends meet, I also drive a taxi at night,” says Latha, a 32-year-old single mother. Meena, a cook and cleaner with ten years of experience, echoes similar frustrations: “When I ask for a raise because everything is getting more expensive, residents point to the rate card and say their hands are tied.” Workers’ primary concerns include limited negotiating power, lack of input in setting rates, and the risk of replacement if they demand wages above the established figures.
Some communities are adopting middle-ground approaches. A growing number of residential complexes are shifting toward hourly wages instead of fixed monthly salaries. “Residents relocating from Western countries have introduced this concept, and many domestic workers prefer it since it provides clearer compensation for their time,” notes a resident from a prestigious society in Koramangala. Other communities are revising their rate cards to account for inflation and incorporate benefits like paid leave and festival bonuses. “We consulted with domestic workers’ representatives before updating our rate card,” shares an RWA secretary from Chennai. “Now, we review it annually and ensure the wages are fair and not exploitative.”
The debate surrounding domestic worker rate cards highlights broader issues of labor rights and economic fairness. While India lacks a central law governing domestic workers’ wages, some states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala have established minimum wage regulations for domestic work. The International Labour Organization recognizes domestic work as formal employment, advocating for proper contracts, fair wages, and social security benefits.
As urban India navigates these evolving socioeconomic dynamics, striking a balance between residents’ desire for consistency and domestic workers’ right to fair compensation remains an ongoing conversation.
In recent years, Coimbatore’s IT sector has grown significantly. Some of the largest IT and software companies are headquartered in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It has been categorised as one of India’s top tier 2 cities, and with the existence of various IT parks such as SEZ-ELCOT, Tidel IT Park, and KCT IT Park, Coimbatore is progressively becoming the country’s primary IT powerhouse. Many companies are present in Coimbatore, including some of the top 15 in the world today.
Here is a list of the top IT companies in Coimbatore:
1. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
TCS is one of the world’s largest IT firms, with a presence in 45 countries. One of the branches is located in Tidal Park in Coimbatore. Employment with TCS allows you to design and shape the future you want. One of Coimbatore’s top places to work.
2. Wipro
Wipro is a leading provider of technology services and consulting. It is well-known for providing unique solutions to its clients’ most demanding digital transformation concerns. Wipro, which has been in operation since 1945, has made significant progress towards becoming one of India’s premier IT companies. Wipro has a long history of success and is still helping its clients meet the ever-changing needs of the digital world!
3. Cognizant
Cognisant means awareness or the possession of knowledge. One of Fortune 500 firms. Cognisant is a top IT company with a branch in Coimbatore. A large, globally active American company that offers operations, consulting, digital, and technology services. This is an opportunity to join one of the greatest firms.
4. ThoughtWorks
The company was formed in 1993 by a small team in Chicago. It now has a global reach that includes 18 countries. The organisation encourages breaking out of the monotonous habit of clocking in and out. This is one of the leading IT software companies.
5. Robert Bosch
Efficiency is essential in every business. It is what propels the firm forward and accomplishes tasks swiftly and efficiently. Since its inception in 1886, this German multinational engineering and technology business has dominated the consumer goods and building technology industries. Chil Sez It Park, located in Coimbatore, is one of the company’s branches.
6. Dell Technologies
Dell’s aim is to leverage technology to build solutions that positively affect people all across the world, including both first-world and marginalised areas. They think that technology is an essential component of human progress, and their work has had a significant positive impact on society as a whole.
7. Freshworks
The company’s mission is to improve business operations by making life easier for both customers and staff. The organisation uses cloud-based SaaS technologies like Freshdesk, which will help us live up to our brand.
8. HashTag Technologies
They prioritise clients by providing solutions that are tailored to each organisation and recognise that each one is unique. They spend time getting to know each client and understanding their demands. This allows them to give the finest possible service that is unique and tailored to each client.
9. Hewlett Packard Enterprise
The company’s major goal is to develop and improve personal computer devices, printing goods, and other access devices, as well as the technologies and services that accompany them. This way, we can give our consumers the best experience possible.
10. Accenture
As a leading provider of professional services, with a focus on IT consulting and services, you can be confident that your IT needs are in capable hands, and there is no doubt that it is one of the top ten IT firms.
11. IBM
IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware, middleware, and software, in addition to offering hosting and consulting services. Dedicated to assisting clients by providing them with the tools and resources they require to expand their enterprises.
12. Infosys
Infosys Limited is an Indian multinational information technology company that offers business consulting and outsourcing services and is dedicated to assisting clients in every manner possible.
13. Tech Mahindra
Tech Mahindra is an Indian multinational information technology services and consulting firm. It is a major provider of IT services and solutions to assist organisations in their digital transformation journey. The organisation is a valued partner for businesses around the world, providing a comprehensive range of IT services to help them stay ahead of the competition.
14. Softsquare Solutions
Softsquare Solutions specialises in developing mobile applications that integrate smoothly with Salesforce’s services. We were early adopters of Salesforce Lightning in 2015, so you can count on us to be up to date on the latest Salesforce technology.
15. Itech Software Group
With the world’s rapid growth, it has become increasingly difficult for organisations to meet client demands. iTech Software Group offers a comprehensive answer to your business needs through Information Technology (IT) services, which include offshore development. With the correct plan and skills, iTech can help you create custom websites for B2C, B2B, and e-commerce solutions.
Pune, one of India’s major cities, has long been at the forefront of technological innovation. Known as the “Oxford of the East” for its prestigious educational and research institutions, the city boasts a strong talent pool, creating an ideal environment for software companies to thrive. From global corporations to local startups, the following companies play a significant role in Pune’s dynamic tech and IT landscape.
1. Mindtickle
Mindtickle offers a suite of services designed to enhance companies’ revenue productivity. As a sales software provider, it delivers solutions ranging from onboarding training to customer engagement support, serving major clients such as LinkedIn, Cisco, and Okta. While headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company also has a strong presence in Pune.
2. LogicMonitor
LogicMonitor entered the Indian market in 2019 and later established its Center of Excellence in the Basant Bahar area of Pune. The company specializes in IT infrastructure monitoring software, offering features like application monitoring, server monitoring, and network monitoring to its clients.
3. Promact
Promact is a digital product development company dedicated to helping tech startups transform their ideas into successful businesses using advanced coding and programming technologies. While headquartered in Ahmedabad, the company also operates offices in Pune and Houston, Texas.
4. Harbinger Group
Harbinger Group develops software products and solutions for businesses across industries such as human resources, e-learning, digital publishing, education, and high-tech. The company offers both product development and content creation services and has recently explored advanced technologies like generative AI and hyperautomation. Headquartered in Pune, Harbinger Group also has offices in Bangalore, Washington state, and California.
5. Cisco
Cisco, a global technology conglomerate, specializes in networking hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment for businesses across various industries. Since its founding in 1984, the company has been instrumental in shaping the internet and connectivity landscape, enabling secure and seamless communication in an increasingly digital world. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Cisco operates offices worldwide, including seven locations in India.
6. Chamberlain Group
Chamberlain Group is an IoT company and the parent of several garage and commercial door and gate opener manufacturers, including the widely known myQ product ecosystem. In Pune, the company established the Chamberlain Group Pune Innovation Center, an engineering hub dedicated to developing and manufacturing IoT-enabled garage door openers, dock-level openers, and gate operators. The center will accommodate around 200 engineers focused on mobile development, generative AI, and data engineering.
7. Cognizant Microsoft Business Group
Ranked 208 on the Fortune 500, Cognizant is a leading IT management company offering services in business optimization, cybersecurity, and software engineering. According to its website, it partners with 29 of the top 30 global pharmaceutical companies, nine of the top 10 European banks, seven of the top 10 internet companies, and 23 of the top 25 healthcare providers. Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, Cognizant operates numerous offices across India, including six in Pune.
8. Xpressbees
XpressBees is a logistics company that partners with leading Indian brands, including Paytm, Meesho, and NetMeds, to facilitate nationwide product delivery. Its software provides businesses with tools for shipment tracking, warehouse and fulfillment management, and supply chain optimization through data analytics. Founded in 2015, XpressBees has handled over 3 million shipments across 20,000 pin codes, according to its website.
9. Tech Mahindra Americas
Tech Mahindra, an affiliate of the Mahindra Group, is an IT services and consulting company that helps global clients harness technologies such as 5G, blockchain, AI, the metaverse, and quantum computing. It also owns several subsidiaries, including Italian car design firm Pininfarina and Indian telecom company Comviva. In 2023, Tech Mahindra partnered with AWS to develop an immersive sports cloud platform powered by AI, machine learning, and virtual reality.
10. Wipro
Wipro offers IT, consulting, and business process services, specializing in cloud computing, security, digital transformation, and robotics. With a market capitalization of nearly $25 billion, it is one of India’s leading tech companies, employing 245,000 people worldwide, according to its website. In addition to its presence across the Americas, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, Wipro operates several offices in India, including one in Pune.
11. Zensar Technologies
Zensar offers a diverse range of software solutions, including AI engineering, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Its roots trace back to 1922 when a British equipment manufacturer set up a regional unit in Pune, later becoming the Indian manufacturing arm of British computer maker ICL. Today, Zensar is publicly traded on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India, with a global presence and its main campus in Pune.
12. Accenture
Accenture is a global leader in digital, cloud, security services, and technology consulting. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the company has multiple offices across India, including three in Pune. In 2022, Accenture launched a new innovation hub in Pune to help clients explore advanced technologies such as AI, extended reality, IoT, blockchain, and quantum computing. This hub is part of Accenture’s global innovation network and works in tandem with its other hubs in Bangalore and Hyderabad.
13. SailPoint
SailPoint is a software company specializing in cloud-based identity verification and access management solutions, including an AI-powered platform designed to prevent cyber threats. Its SailPoint Security Cloud safeguards critical data and assets while ensuring seamless, authorized access through a unified system. Pune serves as a key hiring hub for the company’s tech roles.
14. KPIT Technologies
KPIT provides embedded software and product engineering services to automotive companies, specializing in autonomous driving technology, IoT connectivity, and vehicle design. With a workforce of over 11,000 employees, the company operates engineering centers across Europe, the United States, Japan, China, Thailand, and India. KPIT has filed more than 50 patents, published research papers, and earned numerous awards for its innovations in sustainability and transportation.
15. Zocdoc
Zocdoc is a healthtech platform with a presence in Pune. Founded in 2007, it develops software for both patients and healthcare providers. Its marketplace allows patients to find and book appointments across various medical specialties, while medical practices can leverage the platform for patient intake and telehealth services. By integrating technology into healthcare, Zocdoc strives to empower patients in accessing the care they need.
16. Infosys
With a valuation of $72 billion, Infosys is one of India’s largest technology companies. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange, it provides business consulting, IT, and outsourcing services, assisting businesses in over 50 countries with digital transformation. Founded in 1981 in Pune, Infosys continues to maintain a major campus in the city, alongside its headquarters in Bangalore and offices worldwide.
17. Acquia
Acquia offers a suite of technology solutions designed to help businesses manage their digital experiences efficiently. Its products include tools for content management, data-driven insights, and website optimization for better visibility and accessibility. One of its key offerings, Acquia Campaign Studio, enables automation to streamline and enhance marketing operations.
18. John Deere
John Deere is a manufacturing and technology company specializing in heavy machinery and IoT devices for agricultural, construction, and industrial applications. It also produces engines for marine hydraulics and other industry-specific machinery. In Pune, the company operates a large technology campus, home to mechanical and product engineers, along with other specialists.
19. Quick Heal
Quick Heal specializes in security software for consumers, servers, cloud environments, and small to medium-sized businesses. Originally founded as CAT Computer Services, the company rebranded as Quick Heal Technologies in 2007. Since then, it has received multiple awards and patents for its advanced malware detection and anti-ransomware solutions.
20. CrowdStrike
CrowdStrike is a pioneer in cloud-native cybersecurity, safeguarding endpoints, cloud workloads, identities, and data. Its AI-powered CrowdStrike Falcon platform processes over 150 billion security events daily to detect and prevent cyber threats in real time. With offices across Europe, North America, and Australia, the company established its first Indian location in 2018—an innovation and development center in Pune. CrowdStrike has also partnered with local universities to expand its cybersecurity talent pipeline.
Recently, a notable Karnataka high court ruling directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to implement stringent preventive measures against illegal building activities. The court mandated that property owners, architects, and supervisors submit affidavits at various construction stages, confirming adherence to sanctioned plans. Additionally, the BBMP is required to conduct periodic inspections every 30 days to ensure compliance.
The Karnataka HC ordered the demolition of unauthorized floors in a residential complex in Bengaluru’s Peenya area. The court instructed the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to dismantle the illegally constructed 14th and 15th floors of a tower in IBC Platinum City, emphasizing the necessity for strict enforcement of building regulations. This shows even if its a luxury apartment nobody has the authority to bypass laws.
The legal framework governing construction modifications varies across Indian states. The Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976, requires that any structural changes receive prior approval from municipal authorities. Similarly, the Maharashtra Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act mandates obtaining prior written consent from relevant authorities before making alterations. The Delhi Development Authority’s Master Plan 2021 explicitly prohibits structural modifications that deviate from approved building plans, with Section 14 of the Delhi Apartment Ownership Act allowing associations to challenge violations affecting common areas or structural stability.
Despite clear regulations, enforcement remains challenging. A legal expert in property law, stated that while laws are explicit, enforcement often involves multiple authorities, leading to jurisdictional overlaps and delays. This complexity necessitates coordinated efforts between RWAs, municipal bodies, and regulatory agencies to effectively address unauthorized constructions.
Proactive measures are being adopted in various regions. In Bengaluru, the BBMP has been directed to integrate its database with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM). This integration aims to monitor new water and electricity connections, ensuring they correspond with approved building plans and helping to identify unauthorized constructions.
As this regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the focus is shifting from reactive enforcement to preventive compliance. With courts providing clearer guidelines and municipal bodies strengthening their monitoring systems, the framework for managing unauthorized constructions is becoming more robust. The growing collaboration between RWAs, regulatory bodies, and residents suggests that the future of urban housing may lie in finding the delicate balance between individual needs and structural integrity – but who will take the lead in this transformation?
A recent Mumbai court ruling has brought significant attention to how housing societies calculate maintenance fees, declaring that charging based on flat size is legally unsound. The decision came after a resident challenged her society’s practice of billing per square foot, arguing that maintenance costs should be equally shared, irrespective of apartment size. The court upheld this claim, citing a previous Bombay High Court judgment that stated, “There is absolutely no rational basis for societies to charge for services based on the size of flats.”
This ruling has sparked widespread discussions among Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in Mumbai, as societies reconsider their billing structures. The case has also drawn attention to how maintenance charges are calculated in different parts of India. While some cities follow per-square-foot billing, others have legal frameworks that lean toward equal distribution.
The Delhi Apartment Ownership Act, 1986, for example, states under Section 19(1) that maintenance expenses should be shared based on the percentage of undivided interest in common areas. This means that in many cases, larger apartment owners may still be required to pay higher charges. However, in Delhi’s cooperative housing societies, courts have previously ruled in favour of equal distribution, especially when expenses relate to shared services such as security, water supply, and common area maintenance. A facility manager from Delhi said, “Most societies resist change, but we should follow legal frameworks. The per-square-foot model is outdated.”
In Karnataka, the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act, 1972, outlines that common expenses must be lawfully assessed by the Association of Apartment Owners. While the law does not specify how maintenance should be divided, many Bengaluru societies still follow the per-square-foot model, though instances of legal challenges against this convention have been rising.
This is not the first time Indian courts have addressed the issue of maintenance billing. In 2017, a Saket District Court ruling in Delhi supported residents who opposed the per-square-foot model, emphasizing that larger apartments do not inherently consume more security, common lighting, or clubhouse access than smaller ones. This case led to several RWAs in Delhi revising their fee structures.
The ruling has received mixed reactions from RWA members and residents. A Mumbai RWA member expressed concerns, stating, “This ruling will cause a major shake-up; societies will have to revise their by-laws.” A Pune resident who has been paying almost double the maintenance fee compared to her neighbors in smaller flats remarked, “If Mumbai courts ruled against it, it’s time for other cities to follow suit.”
With this ruling, Mumbai’s RWAs may now need to amend their bylaws and explore alternative billing models, such as fixed-rate systems or usage-based charges. Societies that continue charging based on a square foot billing model may face legal challenges, and as the news of the ruling spreads, RWAs in other cities may come under increased scrutiny.